Comps and calls for August 2022

Hello Everyone,

Just a reminder that my Patreon donors get nothing whatsoever for their money, except knowing that they are helping to keep the site going. There’s no special content. This is because I decided, when I first started doing this, that it would be free and equal for everybody. When I was an inexperienced writer, I didn’t have the confidence or money to pay for anything for my writing. Yet people helped me anyway. This site is my way of paying that forward, helping people to submit their work without any financial worries. My Patreon supporters are wonderful, paying it forward too.

As for this month, I’ve spent much of my time doing things related to writing, rather than writing itself! I’ve been working with the editor to improve a short story of mine that will be coming out soon; I’ve been judging a list of flash fictions on a fascinating theme; and, of course, I’ve been putting together Comps and Calls. As always I’ve tried to make it as wide-ranging, eclectic and thought-provoking as possible – there’s something for everybody here, I hope.

Much love and happy writing,

Cathy x


Here are some writing competitions and calls for submission, all with free, electronic entry.

As usual I’m passing these on in good faith but mistakes may be made, so do check all the submission guidelines carefully. Any info in quotes comes from the website itself and any dates at the start are deadlines. Also, I don’t know the sources personally, so do check them out for yourselves.

There are three headings (click/tap to jump straight to them):

If you aren’t a submitter (why not? Nothing to lose! Rejection is something we all share!) then the themes can make great writing prompts/exercises.

Although I mention only fiction or poetry, many publications accept non-fiction, art or other forms, so do check if interested. Good luck and do let me know of successes! The links are in the comments, and any dates at the start are deadlines.

Where possible, I have marked the relevant entries with ‘paying’, ‘contributor copy’ etc. However, you are best off checking the info for yourselves as I am not infallible and the info isn’t always available or clear. Please be aware that a contributor copy may be in print or digital format. Also, some publications offer several things, eg payment as well as a contributor copy. Where this is the case, I have assumed that payment is enough of an incentive, so I haven’t listed everything. It’s a rough guide and should be treated as such.

COMPETITIONS

(weekly) Poem. PAYING https://www.poetrynook.com/

(ongoing) ‘Everybody has a story to share. What’s yours? Send us a true story about you, in 100 words or fewer.’ PAYING https://www.rd.com/100-word-stories-submissions/

3rd Aug ‘Spectator Comp No. 3261: watch this space: You are invited to submit a poem about the James Webb Telescope.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-a-postcard-from-airstrip-one (Cathy’s note: scroll down for this one.)

10th Aug Spectator Competition No. 3262: Initial embarrassment. ‘You are invited to submit a poem on behalf of Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss in which they set out their stall, but in which the first letters of each line inadvertently spell out an inappropriate word or phrase.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-a-kentish-lad(Cathy’s note: scroll down for this one.)

12th Aug UK and NI: ‘The Women Poets’ Prize is open to all women poets resident in the UK and Northern Ireland.’ ‘Three poems, across no longer than four pages of text, OR one video OR one audio file of up to 3 minutes in length containing no more than three poems.’ PAYING https://www.rebeccaswiftfoundation.org/women-poets-prize/how-to-enter/

14th Aug ‘All stories must be speculative fiction, and be a maximum of 4500 words. All emerging writers who have not published a full-length manuscript or chapbook can submit. The work you submit can have been previously published but not awarded large national/international awards.’ PAYING http://www.wintermutelit.com/p/2022-wintermute-spec-fic-contest.html

14th Aug ‘Previously unpublished fiction under 1k words based on the monthly photo prompt. August photograph by: Lorna Simpson.’ PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submissions/

15th Aug Up to 3 haiku. PAYING https://classicalpoets.org/2022/06/29/haiku-competition-2022/#/

25th Aug (opens on 19th Aug) Microfiction on the provided theme. PAYING https://solarpunkmagazine.com/monthly-micro-fiction-contest/

28th Aug Story up to 1500 words based on a pivotal moment in your life: The Story I Needed to Have Read. NON-CASH PRIZE https://exisleacademy.com/the-story-i-needed-writing-competition/

31st Aug ‘Gladiatorial Battle – Your MC has been captured and put to fight in the Arena. Choose their path. Do they win or do they die?’ Up to 2500 words. NON-CASH PRIZE https://arenafantasymagazine.co.uk/current-competitions/(Cathy’s note: scroll right down for the free comp!)

31st Aug Poetry, prose and visual art on the theme of Synthesis. PAYING https://www.surgingtidemag.com/contest.html

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

3rd Aug Poetry, fiction, CNF, comics and art on the theme of Weeds. PAYING https://thesuburbanreview.com/submit/

5th Aug Query first: ‘Brute is an anthology featuring dark and speculative short stories that address gay sexuality, desire, masculinity, and the aesthetics of “rough trade”. 2500-10,000 words. PAYING https://www.lethepressbooks.com/call-for-submissions.html#/

6th Aug ‘Verum is currently open for submissions for its online magazine. The theme is awakening; bright discoveries and wretched journeys, however they may look. We are looking for work that highlights the unforeseen, tells us about the in-betweens, about anything that says something more than you think we want to hear. Tell us the truth.’ https://www.verumliterarypress.com/submit

7th Aug Spec flash fiction 300-1000 words on the theme of Rage/Peace. POSSIBLE PAYMENT https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/ (Cathy’s note: if your work is used in an anthology, then you’ll get paid. Otherwise, you won’t.)

7th Aug Australians under 25 only: poetry and fiction on the theme of Grain. PAYING https://www.voiceworksmag.com.au/print

7th Aug ‘Science fiction or SF-tinged literary fiction stories and novelettes ranging anywhere from 2,000 to 15,000 words.’ PAYING http://www.fusionfragment.com/submissions/

8th Aug ‘This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Partition of the Indian subcontinent and the emergence of India and Pakistan as independent nation-states. We intend to mark this anniversary with related articles and poems, so for this issue we are especially interested in hearing from writers with links to India and Pakistan, although writing is not limited to the topic of Partition and we welcome submissions on any theme.’ PAYING https://poetrywales.co.uk/submission/

8th Aug ‘We are only open to submissions by those who identify as being from a marginalised gender, traditionally underrepresented and/or historically excluded community.’ Theme: Lexis/Axis. ‘Works submitted for this open call MUST integrate linguistics as a basis, whether this be through the research, design, materiality or ideating of the work. Work must relate to, be derived from or fuse with linguistics.’ https://airtable.com/shrRxEQ7jAQsQ1jHu (Cathy’s note: poetry is included, as well as research and other forms of writing.)

8th Aug ‘Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic: An Anthology of Hysteria Fiction, which is presented by CHM and will benefit the Chicago Abortion Fund, is seeking dark speculative fiction from anyone directly at risk as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade, defined inclusively.’ PAYING, CHARITY/GOOD CAUSEhttps://www.cosmichorrormonthly.com/hysteria-submissions/

15th Aug ‘We are looking forward to Africa themed haiku i.e. haiku about African sights, sounds and settings.We may also accept haiku which explore a universal theme but must delight and thrill us.’ https://africahaikunetwork.wordpress.com/submission-guides/

15th Aug Alaskan women only: writing on the theme of Storms. https://alaskawomenspeak.org/submissions/

15th Aug The Haunted Train: Creepy Tales from the Railways. PAYING https://www.raynehall.com/general-8

15th Aug ‘Send us up to ten of your best Grumpy Gods flash fiction stories featuring gods and mortals getting into spooktacular trouble with the deities that control pestilence, plague, life, death, healing, or anything in between.’ 500-1500 words. PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL https://stormdancebooks.junetakey.com/posts/grumpy-old-flash-fiction-pesky-pestilence-halloween-edition-deadline-august-15-2022/#more-2621

15th Aug ‘From June 1st until Aug 15th we’ll accept original 500-1500 word flash horror fiction for the second installment in our Campfire Macabre series. No reprints.’ various suggested themes. PAYING https://cemeterygatesmedia.com/submissions/

15th Aug Unthemed anthology: poetry, fiction and more. https://www.querenciapress.com/submit

15th Aug Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Social Justice: listening, learning, reaching out. https://thebezine.com/about/submission-guidelines/

15th Aug Poetry, micro, flash and short fiction, and more on the theme of Hallowe’en. http://www.sirenscallpublications.com/ezine.htm

15th Aug Poems and stories on the theme of Borders and Belonging. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://www.cephalopress.com/submissions (Cathy’s note: I’m not classing this as a competition here, because the ‘prize’ is a contributor copy and reading at the launch. Therefore it doesn’t fit my specs for a comp. It does, however, sound like a good project anyway!)

19th Aug ‘We want your true funny stories, your heartwarming stories, and your mindboggling stories about all the simply amazing things that your cat does.’ PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/story-guidelines/

20th Aug ‘CHERRY MOON is a special print issue of GASHER exclusively featuring the voices of Asian diaspora emerging writers. We seek to amplify emerging voices in our community while also highlighting the vast diversity of the Asian diaspora as a whole.’ https://gasherjournal.submittable.com/submit

20th Aug Poetry and fiction on the theme of Masquerade. The Tributes section on the theme of Mentors. https://www.writersworkout.net/waywords

21st Aug Poetry. PAYING https://www.berlinlit.com/submissions

26th Aug Theme: Affirmation. ‘At Fathom we publish articles, personal essays, profiles, interviews, book reviews, Bible exposition, theological and/or historical analysis, poetry, and short stories.’ https://www.fathommag.com/writing-for-fathom

30th Aug ‘We’ll be looking for erotic horror stories inspired by fairy tales, mythologies, and folklore from around the world. Retellings about sexuality, desire, and fantasies that take dark turns. We love a good spin on the classics, but want to see fairy tales, mythologies, and folklore from outside the Western Euro catalog as well.’ ‘Please do not submit rape fantasies. We all know rape is horrifying. Erotic scenes should feature consenting adults only. Absolutely no children.’ 1000-5000 words. PAYING https://ghostorchidpress.com/submission-calls/

30th Aug Funny stories. PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

30th Aug ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul has been changing lives one story at a time since 1993. To celebrate our thirty-year anniversary in June 2023, we are creating a very special edition of our book filled with stories about how a Chicken Soup for the Soul story you read made an impact on your life and changed it. Those changes can be little day-to-day changes that improved your life or a monumental change that changed your life completely.’ PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

30th Aug Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction up to 8000 words on the theme of Reclaiming Joy. PAYING https://inkedingray.com/reclaiming-joy-a-writehive-anthology-collaboration/

31st Aug ‘ “Queering Americana,” work that queers the focus and perception of traditional Americana. For our August (1-31) submission period we are particularly interested in works from queer folks, especially queer BIPOC. We are also interested in reading submissions from non queer identifying folks whose work somehow still queers Americana.’ https://themuseumofamericana.net/submissions/

31st Aug Humour by women on the theme of Love at Second Sight. ONE CONTRIBUTOR GETS VOUCHER https://funnypearls.com/submit-a-smile/

31st Aug Speculative fiction and poetry on the theme of Nostalgia. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submissions/

31st Aug ‘Timber Ghost Press is proud to present Along Harrowed Trails, an anthology of horror set in the Old West. We are seeking well-crafted stories and poems that are creepy, disturbing, and weird that embrace the Old West aesthetic from around 1800-1900.’ Poetry, flash and short fiction. PAYING https://www.timberghostpress.com/along-harrowed-trails.html

31st Aug Horror story 1500-7000 words on the theme of Water. PAYING https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

31st Aug Small absurdist poems. https://ubupoems.wixsite.com/home/guidelines

31st Aug ‘Theme: Hidden Villains Arise – Bold, imaginative fantasy, horror, and sci-fi sculpted to thrill and entertain readers with the bizarre or delve into the shadows. Arise – appear, emerge, come to light, surface, befall, ensue, stand up, transpire, etc.
Express yourself as the theme moves you.’ Up to 7000 words. PAYING https://inkdpub.com/submissions/

31st Aug Short fiction 1000-5000 words on the theme of Southern Gothic. https://hardtofindantholog.wixsite.com/hard-to-find

31st Aug Poems, stories, articles and more. https://www.literarycocktailmagazine.com/submission-guidelines

31st Poetry, CNF and art on the theme of Reaping. https://ninetenthspress.com/submissions/

31st Aug ‘This project is open specifically to artists and writers that are 13 to 17 years old. For this reason, please keep content age-appropriate.’ ‘Not all lives are literary. Some are messy, others mundane, many are even a little weird. Send us the zany and the off kilter; whether it be as simple as a story about stubbing your toe in the dark while stealing a packet of Oreos from your pantry or a poem about that one time you kissed what you swore was an extraterrestrial while on a Disney cruise. Whatever you do, don’t feel pressure to fit your life into a neat little narrative fit for a college application essay.’ https://ninetenthspress.com/submissions/

1st Sep ‘First published in 1982, arc is a continuing literary showcase featuring members of the IAWE (Israel Association of Writers in English) and other citizens and residents of Israel. Because editorship is rotated from one issue to the next, arc demonstrates how aesthetic tastes and concerns vary even within the English-speaking community of Israel.’ Theme: Serendipity. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://www.iawe.org.il/iawe-publications/arc/

1st Sep ‘Our next anthology will only feature the work of LGBTQIA+ authors, poets and artists… We’re primarily seeking speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, or any other works with a speculative element. We’re interested in both prose and poetry, and we’re willing to consider work in experimental or unconventional styles.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY+ PROFIT-SHARING MODEL http://www.notapipepublishing.com/blog/2022/5/30/attention-all-lgbtqia-authors-poets-and-artists-call-for-submissions-for-our-next-anthology

1st Sep Horror on the theme of It Calls from Beneath/Below. ‘This one is all about below the surface. Think subterranean, buried alive, ancient buried treasure, something lost now found, underground, in basements, crawlspaces, caves, under a bed and dark places. This has a lot of ways it could go and we hope to see some unusual stories.’ 2000-7000 words. PAYING https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

1st Sep ‘Lifelong Edgar Allan Poe fan, Madame Gray, is in search of horror tales that pay homage to one of the greats of the genre. Whether you gravitate toward The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, Murders in the Rue Morgue, or the Masque of the Red Death, she wants to read your story…’ 3k-8k words. PAYING https://www.hellboundbookspublishing.com/subs-anthologies.html

1st Sep ‘We are looking for your very best tales of aliens, strange new worlds, fantastic beings from distant planets, space travel, terrifying glimpses of the future, and whatever else your sci-fi mind may conjure up to horrify our readers.’ 4k-10k PAYING https://www.hellboundbookspublishing.com/subs-anthologies.html

1st Sep ‘We’re looking for predominantly horror short stories, flash fiction, and poetry, but they can run the gamut of everything from absurdism to bizarre (and terrifying) science-fiction to unsettling dark fantasy. We love the uncanny.’ PAYING https://paradoxghostpress.com/submission-guidelines/

1st Sep ‘The theme for Issue #6 is “Splendor” — however you conceive such glory and magnificence that comes with the word! We love honest and funny fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and poetry.’ Up to 4000 words. https://embryoconceptszine.com/contact/

1st Sep ‘Little Thoughts Press publishes stories, poetry, and artwork for young readers ages ten and under. All submitted material should be aimed at this audience.’ Theme: AUTUMNATOPOEIA. ‘Autumn is a time for crunching leaves, crackling fire, and things that go bump and thump in the night. For this issue, we are looking for seasonal poetry and stories that are built around sound words! Send us writing that pops and creaks, whooshes and howls.’ https://littlethoughtspress.wixsite.com/ltpmag/theme

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

(Publishers might not give out their pay rates on their submission pages, so make sure to find them out before signing a contract!)

‘The Mad Duck Coalition has simple quackteria: if you have something written up that’s academic, radical, or revolutionary (or just a little too unconventional/niche for the regular agent/publisher to take on), we want to see it!’ https://themadduckcoalition.org/submissions/

‘all (sic) work must be centered around Ireland, as this is an anthology dedicated to such. do (sic) not send us work which does not connect to this theme.’ Anthology: ‘An Áitiúil’. Poetry, flash, and more. https://themartello.squarespace.com/general-1

Poetry, prose and more. https://www.dishsoapquarterly.com/submissions

Et Sequitur publishes short stories from 500 to 2,500 words. We are open to all genres, from literary to speculative and everything in between. Our only requirement is that your submission in some way connect with the latest Et Sequiturstory.’ PAYING https://www.etseqmag.com/Submissions.php

Children’s book MSS. ‘We like funny, genuine, thoughtful, heartfelt and clever (in any combination!) approaches to all sorts of stories and subjects — fiction and nonfiction — with particular interest in the areas of social-emotional development and mental health, historically underrepresented groups, global citizenship and awareness, and the environment.’ https://www.kidscanpress.com/writers/

Poetry and more on the theme of Resurrection. https://resurrectionmag.com/submission-guidelines/

‘Beechwood Review publishes minimalist writing and art. We’re partial to themes of time, nature, humanity, philosophy, chaos, reason, the ridiculous, and the whimsical. We don’t like work that drones on about fancy table fruit. Although good fruit poems have their place.’ PAYING https://beechwoodreview.com/

‘Our standard publication is the cozy mystery—a light, gentle mystery with little or no blood, violence or sex. We do NOT publish any other type of book. The main character of a cozy mystery is typically an amateur sleuth–not a professional. The story usually takes place in a small town. Often the main character has a cat or a dog. We LOVE stories with CATS in them.’ ROYALTIES https://www.cozycatpress.com/contact

Poem. https://thefridaypoem.com/faq/

‘We are looking for chapbooks and full-lengths in any genre. For chapbooks, we are seeking work with a minimum of 20 pieces or a minimum of 1,500 words. Work that exceeds 45 pieces or 30,000 words will be considered full-length.’ ROYALTIES https://www.querenciapress.com/submit

‘The Kolkata Arts accepts poetry, fiction, dramatic texts, experimental oeuvre, films, music, photography and visual art, essays, reviews and all that is artsy.’ https://www.thekolkataarts.online/p/submissions-and-contact.html

‘ASSEMBLE ARTIFACTS is a short story magazine that assembles a thrilling new mix of stories from genres including horror, science-fiction, comedy, and suspense. Buried at the heart of every story in the magazine is a unique artifact, an object that has inspired our storytellers to create a big idea, an irresistible question, a new immersive world, or a sense of wonder.’ PAYING https://www.assemblemedia.com/artifacts

‘We are looking for poetry and short fiction submissions for our online mag, the Inksac. We are looking for work that is brave and experimental, and sits outside the realms of mainstream publishing. Our favourite themes are anything that captures the human condition, and questions societal beliefs. We welcome work from anyone, anywhere across the globe, but are especially interested in showcasing marginalised voices.’ https://www.cephalopress.com/submissions

‘In EAP: The Magazine, all sorts of writing comes under the heading of what we here call “very EAP.” We’ve published film scripts, a libretto, poems, short stories, and analyses of everything from the Museum of Jurassic Technology, to Boris Pasternak’s love of the Everyday, to Bugs Bunny as a model for foreign policy.’ https://exterminatingangel.com/ea-press/becoming-part-of-the-eap-community/

Comps and calls for July 2022

Hello Everyone,

I’ve had quite a time since I last wrote to you. I had Covid again, which was horrible, but last night I won the Cheshire Literature Prize for the second time, which was joyous! I received a certificate, and there’s a money prize on the way, but one of the best things was the award night itself. I met some wonderful people and saw some old friends, and as there were several categories there were some other happy winners too. I do love a comp that has multiple prizes. I should mention that I was fully recovered and testing negative before attending!

Anyway, here in the north of the UK we’re having a rainy start to July. I’d best stay in, then, and do some writing…

I hope that you are all well, writing avidly, and living your best life.

Massive thanks, as always, to my Patreon supporters.

Much love,

Cathy x


Here are some writing competitions and calls for submission, all with free, electronic entry.

As usual I’m passing these on in good faith but mistakes may be made, so do check all the submission guidelines carefully. Any info in quotes comes from the website itself and any dates at the start are deadlines. Also, I don’t know the sources personally, so do check them out for yourselves.

There are three headings (click/tap to jump straight to them):

If you aren’t a submitter (why not? Nothing to lose! Rejection is something we all share!) then the themes can make great writing prompts/exercises.

Although I mention only fiction or poetry, many publications accept non-fiction, art or other forms, so do check if interested. Good luck and do let me know of successes! The links are in the comments, and any dates at the start are deadlines.

Where possible, I have marked the relevant entries with ‘paying’, ‘contributor copy’ etc. However, you are best off checking the info for yourselves as I am not infallible and the info isn’t always available or clear. Please be aware that a contributor copy may be in print or digital format. Also, some publications offer several things, eg payment as well as a contributor copy. Where this is the case, I have assumed that payment is enough of an incentive, so I haven’t listed everything. It’s a rough guide and should be treated as such.

COMPETITIONS

11th Jul 21 and under: story on the theme of Switch. PAYING https://hgwellscompetition.com/how-to-enter/ (Cathy’s note: those over 21 can submit too, but they would have to pay a fee.)

14th Jul Spec flash on the theme provided. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submissions/

17th Jul ‘We are delighted to launch the 2022 Young People’s Poetry Competition on the theme of Awakening (poems of up to 40 lines). There are two age categories: 16-18 and 19-25.’ VOUCHER/OTHER https://chestercathedral.com/about/poet-in-residence/young-peoples-poetry-competition/

18th Jul UK and ROI only: ‘Are you a writer who identifies as working-class? If you’re looking for an opportunity to hone your writing craft and let your work take centre stage, then this prize is for you. Simply submit a sample of your writing, which must be the beginning of an unpublished work-in-progress no more than 2,000 words in length and a one-page synopsis for the full manuscript. You must also include a short piece of writing (200 words) in the Covering Letter section of our online entry form about yourself and why this prize speaks to you.’ PAYING (and much more). https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/competitions/wa-working-class-writers-prize

21st Jul (opens 15th Jul) Microfiction on the provided theme. PAYING https://solarpunkmagazine.com/monthly-micro-fiction-contest/

21st Jul ‘This is a targeted competition aimed at using an engaging fictional story to help readers understand how over-cleaning and misinformation about bacteria can mean that we can end up killing our bodies (sic) ‘good’ bacteria through over-use of harsh cleaning products. Your challenge is to write a short story (between 1000 and 3000 words) that helps to raise awareness and shift attitudes, especially for those people who assume that the more detergent the better.’ PAYING https://www.greenstories.org.uk/upcoming-competitions/short-story-clean-vs-green/#fee

31st Jul Story up to 3000 words. PAYING https://www.crossingthetees.org/short-story-competition/

31st Jul Poetry up to ten lines. PAYING https://brieflywrite.com/poetry-prize/

31st Jul 11-17-year-olds: poems. A VARIETY OF PRIZES https://foyleyoungpoets.org/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

3rd Jul Spec flash fiction 300-1000 words on the theme of Pride/Humility. POSSIBLE PAYMENT https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/ (Cathy’s note: if your work is used in an anthology, then you’ll get paid. Otherwise, you won’t.)

3rd Jul Female writers: Short stories 800-2000 words on the theme of Women and Girls. OTHER https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/forthcoming-events-themes.html

3rd Jul Haunted novel: ‘Horror/gothic/folk horror, dark fantasy novel set in a haunted location (by ‘location’ we mean a dwelling, an institution, a hotel, a factory, a ship/ferry, a train – in short a building/structure where people have lived, worked, died, grew up, etc.)’ 60,000 words plus. https://www.lunapresspublishing.com/submissions

4th Jul ‘After recent news regarding women’s rights, HauntedMTL would like to sponsor one of our world famous charity anthologies in the name of a few women’s rights and awareness organizations.’ Horror with a feminine twist.Under 13,000 words. CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/hauntedmtl-anthology-1Dp2U

4th Jul ‘Submissions are open from June 20 – July 4 for work under the theme “Solarpunk at Work” exploring what labor, economics, and our relationship to work looks like in solarpunk futures.’ Poetry, fiction, and more. PAYING https://solarpunkmagazine.com/submissions/

4th Jul ‘Pulp Modern is a fiction journal that publishes crime, noir, fantasy, science fiction, horror, adventure, war, and westerns.’ PAYING https://www.pulpmodern.net/pulp-modern-submissions/ (Cathy’s note: This journal isopen only on this one day – 4th July, PST.)

6th Jul ‘We look for fun and upbeat narrative content to publish in the journal.’ Poetry and prose. https://imitationfruit.com/submissions.html

10th July Theme: Pursuit. ‘At Fathom we publish articles, personal essays, profiles, interviews, book reviews, Bible exposition, theological and/or historical analysis, poetry, and short stories.’ https://www.fathommag.com/writing-for-fathom

10th Jul Fantasy story 3500-10,000 words. PAYING https://www.cloakedpress.com/fallfantasy/

10th Jul Poetry, fiction and much more on the theme of Submerge. PAYING https://swimmeetlitmag.com/submit/

10th Jul One-line poems on the theme of Personal Transitions. https://www.whiptailjournal.com/submissions.html

11th Jul ‘This is a topic to really get your imagination into gear. Alternative history is a big topic for movies and real-world events alike, on Netflix, HBO and more. It’s all science fiction, and this new book aims to cover every angle from ancient worlds to distant futures, world wars, steampunk and more. What if the course of history had been changed by a different decision, a different victor, a different invention?’ PAYING https://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/alternate-history-call-for-submissions-0-0

15th Jul ‘The May attack on Chicago’s Walking Man exposes the risks faced daily by America’s homeless population. From now through July 15, 2022, the Tavern invites written or photographic work on the subject of homelessness.’ https://theplumtreetavern.blogspot.com/

15th Jul ‘This is for marginalized members of the sci-fi/spec community—this includes people of color, the LGBTQ2S+ community, members of marginalized genders, and disabled and neurodiverse people. If you are not a person of color, LGBTQ2S+, neurodiverse, disabled, or of a marginalized gender, please DO NOT send us your work.’

No more than 1000 words. PAYING https://www.iftheresanyoneleft.com/submission-guidelines

15th Jul ‘Send us your story about raging against the machines, surviving attacks on your privacy, navigating the deliberately confusing systems out there, or dealing with the trials and tribulations of ever advancing technology.’ 1500-4000 words. PAYING https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=524486222701933&id=100054216802897

15th Jul ‘Send us your best stories of approximately 50 words that feature or reference a storm.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) http://www.blink-ink.org/current-submissions/

15th Jul Under 21 only: ‘We’re looking for poetry that focuses on any topic within human rights and social justice. In particular, we’re very curious about what human rights issues young poets find the most compelling.’ https://www.ihraf.org/ihraf-youth-anthology

15th Jul ‘What we are looking for are stories that feature mere mortals using their cunning, and whatever other assets and skills they may have to put one over a witch, wizard, or other powerful magical entity. And the consequences, if any, that they end up facing because of it. Stories can have the mortal winning or the witch winning in the end.’ 2500-7500 words. PAYING https://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/never-cheat-a-witch-guidelines

15th Jul ‘While we are devoted to giving a voice to LGBTQAI+ creatives, we also want to give a voice to women creatives, disabled creatives, and neurodivergent creatives. We also wish to give a voice to creatives with mental illness(es), invisible illness(es), and/or trauma… We are reviewing works inspired by Home and/or Liminal Spaces.’ https://www.thewinnowmagazine.com/submitguidelines.html

15th Jul Poetry, fiction, plays and more. PAYING https://www.samjokomagazine.com/submission-guidelines

15th Jul Poetry, fiction and nonfiction MSS. https://www.ablemusepress.com/submit

15th Jul UK and I: Poetry, fiction, and more. PAYING https://northerngravy.com/submissions/

15th Jul ‘We are looking for poetry and short fiction, flash fiction on the theme of family or ancestors.’ https://theamphibianlit.wordpress.com/issue-2-awakening/

15th Jul ‘For consideration in the 2022 Waco Cultural Arts Fest WordFest Anthology, poets may submit one poem using the theme of ‘earth’. The poem should include a title and be 24 lines or less in Times New Roman 12 point font with no line longer than 50 characters.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://wacoartsfest.org/wcaf/wordfest

15th Jul ‘Are you a cat lady, cat daddy, or cat-friend of any stripe? Tell us about the furry guardian that assisted you in your hour of need or the horrible gargoyle that ate your trash and ruined your things. Let’s unpack the perceptions, stereotypes, and experiences of those cohabitating with cats.’ Poetry and more. https://sadgirlreview.com/call-for-submissions/

15th Jul ‘Riptide invites short story writers to pause and write a story inspired by the theme of our next issue, BREATH. Whether it’s pressed out or held beyond endurance, bated or panted, BREATH animates our next issue. From the first breath to the last one, or any of those in between, we want to see where the theme will take you.’ http://www.riptidejournal.co.uk/submissions/

21st Jul (or when their submission cap is reached) Flash fiction 500-1000 words. PAYING https://ffo.submittable.com/submit

24th Jul Original fiction by fans. (Not fanfic – original fiction) PAYING https://www.oficmag.com/submit

25th Jul Poetry, flash and more. ‘We welcome both English and multilingual works. At the current moment, members of our editorial team can fluently read and understand Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Japanese, and French. If your work is mostly in a language not mentioned here, we encourage you to submit translations in the same file or a separate document.’ https://www.agapanthuscollective.com/submit/

30th Jul Fiction 1000-7500 words. PAYING https://mythaxis.co.uk/submissions.html (Cathy’s note: many accepted pieces appear to be SF or F, but the ‘submissions’ and ‘about’ pages don’t say anything about this, so send whatever fits the submissions parameters!)

31st Jul ‘FIYAH is a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora. This definition is globally inclusive (Black anywhere in the world) and also applies to mixed/biracial and Afro-appended people regardless of gender identity or orientation. We’re turning October into Black Horror Month. Give us your night terrors, your blood-thirsty urban legends, your ancestral ghosts haunting plantation weddings.’ PAYING https://www.fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/

31st Jul ‘This anthology is only open to writers who identify as Transgender and Non-Binary. Submission must be BODY HORROR, however you define that. Stories relating body dysphoria to horror are fine, but get creative with it! We’d also like to see funny, silly, wacky body horror.’ PAYING https://perpetualpublishing.com/2022/04/13/announcing-bound-in-flesh-an-anthology-of-trans-body-horror-now-open-for-submissions/

31st Jul African writers: ‘A fusion of the two words ‘Africa’ and ‘reader’, we live for the well-crafted narratives and effortless reads that speak to our daily realities as Africans at home and abroad… This is an English publication but feel free to include languages from home – we believe in the power of Google so we won’t be including glossaries.’ Fiction. PAYING https://www.afreada.com/submissions

31st Jul ‘The Sprawl Mag accepts submissions of speculative poetry, short fiction, and visual art. Whether it is utopic, dystopic, magical, or sci-fi, we look forward to seeing your work.’ PAYING https://www.thesprawlmag.ca/guidelines

31st Jul ‘We publish speculative fiction that examines humanity’s possible futures living with anthropogenic climate change. We prefer fiction with a hopeful outlook, but the occasional dystopia might fit too.’ PAYING https://littlebluemarble.ca/submission-guidelines/

31st Jul Sliced Up Press is looking for short stories & poetry that terrify without a single mention of blood or gore, for its latest horror fiction anthology, BLOODLESS, edited by Ben Walker. Terrify us with your best story or poem where no blood is mentioned, nor any associated gore, grue & guts.’ PAYING https://sliceduppress.com/submissions/

31st Jul ‘We know just how much our readers just love their horror stories gushing with blood and spattered with buckets of gore, severed limbs, and disembodied viscera, so here’s your opportunity to scare them rigid and knot their stomachs with your most horrifying tales of death and destruction.’ 4k-10k words. PAYING https://www.hellboundbookspublishing.com/subs-anthologies.html

31st Jul Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Marriage. https://pureslush.com/submissions/current-submissions/marriage-lifespan-vol-6/

31st Jul Humour by women on the theme of The World of Statistics. ONE CONTRIBUTOR GETS VOUCHER https://funnypearls.com/submit-a-smile/

31st Jul ‘We are currently OPEN to submissions for “Tales from the Ruins: A Post-Apocalyptic Anthology”. We’re looking for tales of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. There are no specific thematic guidelines and we’re open to submissions featuring sci-fi elements, but at the heart of your story must be a human struggle. Preferred word count between 5,000 and 10,000 words.’ PAYING https://blackbeaconbooks.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html

31st Jul Three anthologies. Stories and poems about: how stepping outside my comfort zone changed me; the advice that changed my life; and the power of positive thinking. PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

31st Jul ‘The MockingOwl Roost is officially open for submissions for our final publication this year, themed “Yugen” – (Japanese) A profound awareness of the universe that triggers feelings too deep and mysterious for words.’ Poetry, flash, short fiction, and much more. https://www.mockingowlroost.com/submission-guidelines/

31st Jul ‘We want your poems for “the ones who make the world better” to go in this year’s anthology – our Big Book 2022!’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://fragmentedvoices.com/submissions/

31st Jul Spec fic 1000-7000 words on the theme of Ring of Fire. PAYING https://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/ring-of-fire-guidelines

31st Jul Graphic poetry. https://www.shufpoetry.com/submissions.html

31st Jul Short story on the theme of Futures. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://www.superlativelitjournal.com/

31st Jul Poetry on the theme of Freedom. https://www.allegropoetry.org/p/submit.html

31st Jul ‘Nosetouch Press is pleased to conjure up FIENDS IN THE FURROWS III: FINAL HARVEST, a call for submissions for Folk Horror from around the world— from Britain and Ireland, to continental Europe, to North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. We strongly encourage writers to continue to explore the wanton wilderness of Folk Horror, while honoring the elemental essence of this subgenre’s tangled, grasping roots.’ PAYING https://www.nosetouchpress.com/call/

1st Aug Excellent poetry by LGBTQ+ folk. https://impossiblearchetype.wordpress.com/submit/

1st Aug Fiction and poetry on the theme of Summer Ghosts. https://bowerygothic.submittable.com/submit

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

(Publishers might not give out their pay rates on their submission pages, so make sure to find them out before signing a contract!)

‘Letter Review is an online Literary Journal dedicated to assisting writers to get published, performed, and produced. We feature interviews with professional writers, publish helpful information, run competitions with cash prizes, and are open to submissions of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.’ https://letterreview.com/about-submit/

‘We are a literary magazine aiming to create a space for new, diverse voices to be heard, with a focus on LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or/and neurodivergent individuals.’ https://morningfruitmag.weebly.com/about.html

Poetry, fiction, and more. https://longitudines.com/submissions/

‘Send 5 of your best UNPUBLISHED (some exceptions with special features) poems/flash fiction pieces and bio note of approximately 75-100 words in the body of an email.’ http://gaspoertyartandmusic.blogspot.com/

‘We are currently accepting submissions for pamphlets (max of 30 poems). We are interested in all styles and themes however we are particularly interested in ecopoetry.’ https://www.blackcatpress.co.uk/

Flash fiction and culture articles. PAYING https://intrepidusink.com/

‘So Textual is a community and online platform for bookish individuals who seek smart conversations about literature, creative practice, and a considered lifestyle. We celebrate books alongside the contemporary reader.’ Essays and lists. PAYING https://www.sotextual.com/submissions

‘Gnashing Teeth Publishing is embarking on an ambitious and necessary project: “1st Quarter Preventable Gun Violence. 2021. Volume One.” From Jan 1 – Mar 31, there were 126 mass gun violence events. The numbers are going up every day and it has become a dull roar drowned out by our non-stop news cycle. We must demand better. We are seeking 126 poets, writers, essayists, and artists to participate. Each person will select one of these events to write or create art about.’ https://gnashingteethpublishing.com/elementor-2724/

‘Eat the Storms, the poetry podcast, hosted and produced by Irish poet Damien B Donnelly, now on 12+ platforms provides a space for international voices in poetry and spoken word. The podcast is a platform for diversity of theme, accent and experience with submissions open to everyone from award-winning poets to spoken word performers to poems on unpublished pages.’ https://eatthestorms.com/join-the-stormers/

Poetry, stories andnonfiction. ‘Prose manuscripts must be 2,250 words or less.’ https://www.uvawise.edu/academics/departments/language-literature/jimson-weed

‘DG Sentinel is an inclusive online newspaper featuring unique journalism, powerful stories, and international perspectives. Our goal is to educate people around the world and raise awareness about mental health, post-pandemic career changes, and more.’ http://dgsentinel.org/

Poetry, nonfiction, and critical insights. https://bardandprose.com/about/

Poetry. ‘Ripe is a new digital literary magazine that seeks to publish work that riots, rebels, and quakes.’ PAYING https://www.ripeliteraryjournal.com/submit

Comps and calls for June 2022

Hello everyone,

It’s June, and Summer is on the way here in the UK. So are rising prices, inflation, poverty and so on, unfortunately. Writing can be a break from stress. You can take that fear or worry or sorrow and write a story making it a monster, where you defeat it utterly, forever. Or you can write a poem about all the things you think and feel, or what your perfect world would be like. On a computer screen, or paper, you can make anything happen…

There are loads of interesting calls and comps this month. Go on – have a go!

Love to my Patreon people and others who make one-off donations. I appreciate it so much. xxx

Much love,

Cathy x


Here are some writing competitions and calls for submission, all with free, electronic entry.

As usual I’m passing these on in good faith but mistakes may be made, so do check all the submission guidelines carefully. Any info in quotes comes from the website itself and any dates at the start are deadlines. Also, I don’t know the sources personally, so do check them out for yourselves.

There are three headings (click/tap to jump straight to them):

If you aren’t a submitter (why not? Nothing to lose! Rejection is something we all share!) then the themes can make great writing prompts/exercises.

Although I mention only fiction or poetry, many publications accept non-fiction, art or other forms, so do check if interested. Good luck and do let me know of successes! The links are in the comments, and any dates at the start are deadlines.

Where possible, I have marked the relevant entries with ‘paying’, ‘contributor copy’ etc. However, you are best off checking the info for yourselves as I am not infallible and the info isn’t always available or clear. Please be aware that a contributor copy may be in print or digital format. Also, some publications offer several things, eg payment as well as a contributor copy. Where this is the case, I have assumed that payment is enough of an incentive, so I haven’t listed everything. It’s a rough guide and should be treated as such.

COMPETITIONS

3rd Jun ‘For this mini-contest, tell, show, or evoke a complete story between 25 and 50 words long that is told from the point of view of an unreliable narrator. That is, you shouldn’t expect the reader to understand the story the same way the narrator does. Remember that an unreliable narrator isn’t necessarily a fool! The readers just have to recognize something in the story being told that the narrator doesn’t.’ PAYING https://onthepremises.com/current-contest/

6th Jun ‘Serendipity and Writing East Midlands are looking for creative writers from the African and African Caribbean Diaspora to submit short stories for the 2022 edition of BlackInk’s Writing Competition.’ PAYING https://writingeastmidlands.co.uk/for-writers/blackink-new-writing-competition-2022/

7th Jun Haiku on the theme of Water, and unthemed haiga. E-CERTIFICATE https://www.santoka.rs/en/open-calls/ (Cathy’s note: there’s no prize except an e-diploma, and your work may be published without pay. Still, why not have a go?)

8th Jun Spectator Comp No. 3253: me time. ‘You are invited to provide a poem entitled ‘Song of Myself’ in the style of a well-known writer. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucyATspectator.co.uk by midday on 8 June.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-sonnets-on-mammon

14th Jun Spec flash on the theme provided. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submissions/

15th Jun ‘…the award showcases outstanding responses to the AIDS pandemic and the realities of individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the genres of fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction.’ PAYING https://aumag.org/chrishewittawards/

15th Jun Spactator Comp No. 3254: hard times. You are invited to tweak a well-known book title to reflect the straitened times we live in (e.g. Lidl Women) and provide an extract of up to 150 words. Please email entries to lucyATspectator.co.uk by midday on 15 June. PAYING  https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-platinum-jubilee-poems-from-kipling-and-a-a-milne

23rd Jun (opens 17th Jun) Microfiction on the provided theme. PAYING https://solarpunkmagazine.com/monthly-micro-fiction-contest/

30th Jun Flash Fiction up to 300 words. PAYING https://shadygroveliterary.wixsite.com/shadygroveliterary/about

30th Jun Poem. PAYING https://www.sps.com/contest-3

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

5th Jun Spec flash fiction 300-1000 words on the theme of Laziness/Diligence. POSSIBLE PAYMENT https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/ (Cathy’s note: if your work is used in an anthology, then you’ll get paid. Otherwise, you won’t.)

6th Jun  Women only: ‘Keys: Our Issue 95 theme is about cogs and spindles, locking and unlocking – and what lies inside.’ Fiction, poetry and more. PAYING https://mslexia.co.uk/submit-your-work/

10th Jun Theme: Magic, Lost and Found! ‘We accept fiction, nonfiction, visual art, and poetry of all flavors, from free verse to found. We are also interested in submissions that include raven artwork.’ http://www.youngravensliteraryreview.org/submission-guidelines.html

10th Jun Theme: Connection. ‘At Fathom we publish articles, personal essays, profiles, interviews, book reviews, Bible exposition, theological and/or historical analysis, poetry, and short stories.’ https://www.fathommag.com/writing-for-fathom

12th Jun ‘HOWL is a literary platform showcasing the creative wail in Irish writing from around the world. We want the raw and the real. If it excites you, we want you to send it to us. We accept poetry and prose (fiction and non-fiction). We also accept original photography and artwork for use in our print publication and/or website.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://www.howlwriting.ie/

12th Jun Fiction, poetry and more on the theme of Tender. PAYING https://www.antithesisjournal.com.au/submit

15th Jun Theme: Standing Up. ‘Every day, things happen right in front of you that you believe are wrong. You could act on that belief. Most days, for all sorts of reasons, you don’t bother. But on that day, for whatever reason, you did. You rose up: against tyranny, convention, rudeness, unfavourable odds, malevolence, apathy.’ Prose and poetry. CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE https://offtopicpublishing.com/opencalls/#standingupukraine

15th Jun Theme: Names. ‘NAMES is a folio exploring the things we call ourselves and each other. Names can apply to people, to places, to works of art or even to events. The naming of a person or place often ties them to a culture, a political context and a language.’ Poetry, CNF, visual poems, and artwork. https://violetindigoblueetc.com/submissions/

15th Jun SF/F poetry on the theme of Veterans of Alien Wars. PAYING http://www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html

15th Jun ‘We are looking for 12 unique poems exhibiting different types of form poetry to fill out our 2023 poetry day planner. Each month will highlight a different form. Send us your glosas, your sonnets, your elegies, even your villanelles!’ PAYING https://bellpressbooks.com/submissions/#Planner

15th Jun Theme: Rituals. ‘Send us your best nonfiction, poetry, or work that blends these forms.’ PAYING https://bellpressbooks.com/submissions/#Rituals

15th Jun Theme: Framework of the Human Body. ‘Send us your best short stories, poems/art songs, creative nonfiction pieces, personal essays, features, and scripts.’ ‘For this call, we are particularly interested in Canadian authors, though some International submissions may be accepted. Priority is given to Canadian work to align with Canadian granting body requirements.’ PAYING https://bellpressbooks.com/submissions/#Rituals

15th Jun Haiku and Senryu: Memory. https://poetrypea.com/submission-topics-2022/

15th Jun Theme: Ghosts and Gossip. ‘We are particularly interested in experimental and hybrid works across all mediums: send the almost, the unexplainable, the confessions, the collaged. Send us your poems, your verse, your translations, your drawn, your ballads, your photographs, your tea, and your double scoops with no napkins.’ Poetry, prose, and more.PAYING https://www.kaleidoscopedmag.com/

15th Jun Poetry and fiction on the theme of Dreamland. https://www.planisphereq.com/p/guidelines.html

15th Jun ‘Stories with Dracula himself as the main focus. His name is on the cover of the book, but he’s not the star of the show. Let’s change that.’ PAYING https://www.dbspress.com/submissions

17th Jun ‘We are pleased to announce a call for contributions to our Summer 2022 Edition of the Creatopia® Collection Magazine, a visual and design centric magazine edition with peppy tomato red and vibrant turquoise for an easygoing Summer with a “Retro” theme. We welcome contributions from authors, artists, and makers of all kinds who have something beautiful to bring to the world.’  https://creatopia.studio/creatopia-call-for-contributions-for-summer-2022-retro/

17th Jun Wildly original fairy tales and myths.  ‘Capture an adulthood dilemma so universal it transcends culture and time—then explain it so a child can understand. Any era. Any world. Any hero or antihero. Focus on the hardest-earned lessons of your life. The things you WISH someone had explained to you earlier, and wrap that wisdom in a package “younger you” would have adored.’ PAYING https://mythulu.submittable.com/submit

18th Jun ‘We want to hear how you are adapting to a world in a climate shift. For our 5th volume of SHIFT, send us your poetry, prose, and plays about how climate change is impacting your world.’ https://shift-write.com/submit

30th Jun ‘The Rainbow Issue of Fairy Tale Review will be dedicated to queer fairy tales written by queer writers.’ PAYING https://www.fairytalereview.com/submit/

30th Jun Theme: Monstrous Futures. ‘I’ve been referring to this anthology as “the next season of Black Mirror that never got aired” and that’s exactly what I’m looking for–dark sci-fi with an emphasis on exploring our connection with technology and one another through speculative concepts and backdrops. I want every piece to look at some aspect of our lives through a “what if” lens and only lean on science as much as strictly necessary to show those human experiences.’ 2000-4000 words. PAYING  https://darkmattermagazine.shop/pages/dark-matter-presents-monstrous-futures

30th Jun ‘We’re looking for stories, poems, and drabbles about malevolent mermaids, sinister sirens, scary selkies, and other deadly and dangerous women of the deep blue sea.’ PAYING https://brigidsgatepress.com/?page_id=17

30th Jun ‘We are seeking stories for an anthology to be titled The Librarian which will collect stories about one Librarian’s adventures roving through the multiverse.’ 1000-30000 words. PAYING http://aanpress.com/submissions.html

30th Jun ‘Autonomous Press is now accepting submissions of short fiction, short memoir, and poetry for the seventh volume of Spoon Knife, our annual multi-genre neuroqueer lit anthology.’ Theme: transitions. PAYING http://autpress.com/2021/01/call-for-submissions-spoon-knife-7/

30th Jun ‘redrosethorns began with a simple core belief, that feminism is about empowerment. Through articles, poetry, interviews, art, and stories of all kinds, we intend to empower others to share their voices.’ Theme: Connection/Community. https://www.redrosethorns.com/magazine

30th Jun ‘You don’t have to be a parent to know just how horrifying children can be.  We want your stories innocent youngsters turned malevolent (think: The Omen, Children of the Corn, The Midwich Cuckoos, etc.)- the more terrifying the better!’ 4k-10k words. PAYING https://www.hellboundbookspublishing.com/subs-anthologies.html

30th Jun Stories, poems and more on the theme of Myths, Fables and Folklore. PAYING https://quarterpress.com/the-quarterly-journal

30th Jun ‘Our Autumn 2022 Edition theme is Falling Leaves. We’re looking for stories, poems, and essays that explore a season of change in life. Write about falling, leaving, and letting go.’ https://capsulestories.com/submissions/

30th Jun Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Dust. https://www.fieryscribereview.com.ng/p/submissions.html

30th Jun Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Time. https://www.inscribejournal.com/writeforusjournal

30th Jun ‘Coffin Bell is a quarterly online journal of dark literature. Submissions now open–seeking poetry, flash fiction, short stories, creative nonfiction, essay, and short criticism that explore dark themes.’ Theme: The Zodiac. https://coffinbell.submittable.com/submit

31st Jun (sic) Poetry on the theme of Family. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://www.thepoetmagazine.org/contribute

1st Jul Folk horror 2000-7000 words. PAYING https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

1st Jul Theme: Stigma. ‘This collection welcomes submissions from anyone who considers themselves disabled, or substantially limited, socially, emotionally, cognitively, or mentally.’ PAYING https://www.substantiallyunlimited.com/submissions

1st Jul Poetry and fiction on the theme of The Crumpled Yellow Paper. PAYING http://themaliterarysociety.com/submissions.html (Cathy’s note: readers from outside the USA may submit electronically.)

1st Jul or until filled: creepy/unsettling  poetry and short fiction about winter and a tree. PAYING https://unsettlingreads.squarespace.com/submissions-stillofwinter

1st Jul Odes. https://www.upthestaircase.org/submit.html

1st Jul (probably – it just says ‘July’.) ‘After the success of the first Trailer Park anthology, we’ve decided to bring it back next year for another go. Stories should be original creature feature, horror-comedy with the same feel as The Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, Shaun of the Dead, or Tucker and Dale vs. Evil. And of course, our heroes winning the day in all of their redneck glory.’ 7k-10k words.  PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL https://threeravenspublishing.com/it-came-from-the-trailer-park-vol-2/

1st Jul ‘Still Point Arts Quarterly is a truly beautiful and engaging art and literary journal. Produced four times a year, each issue focuses on a theme and features historical and contemporary art, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The Quarterlyhas been praised for its rich content as well as its splendid layout and design. Intended for artists, nature lovers, seekers, and enthusiasts of all types.’ Theme: Immersed in books. https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/still-point-arts-quarterly-nRb7B

1st Jul Poetry and fiction on the theme of Baseball. PAYING https://thetwinbill.com/submissions/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

(Publishers might not give out their pay rates on their submission pages, so make sure to find them out before signing a contract!)

‘We publish monthly. No reading fees, contest or submission fees. Not for anyone, ever. We pay ($70 per original piece of writing). Marginalized identities only. For us this means folks of color. Black creatives to the front!’ PAYING https://www.hennepinreview.com/contact (thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

Fiction, poetry and much more. PAYING https://proteanmag.com/submissions/

‘We are currently accepting literary fiction and literary nonfiction such as memoir.’ https://www.dundurn.com/resources/submissions

Poetry. flash, short fiction and much more. Long forms accepted too. https://www.roifaineantpress.com/submissions-1

Poetry and prose. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL)https://www.nervousghostpress.org/thewaitingroomguidelines

‘We accept quality short fiction, poetry, haiku, and some art. We want to read good writing that we can enjoy while sipping our favorite dram of whisky. If you can work a little whisky and/or one or more of our favorite authors into your writing, even better…’ https://www.whiskyblot.com/submit.html

‘Slouching Beast Journal is looking for unpublished poems / prose / flash fiction / any kind of short experimental / hybrid work.’ https://slouchingbeastjournal.com/submit/

Poetry and fiction. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES (MAY BE PRINT OR DIGITAL) https://www.thrillingtales.com/litbop/

Flash and short fiction. ‘We’re warming towards strangely uplifting pieces full of dark humour and thoughtful insights. We love dirty-real writing that is more Bukowski meets Withnail and I with an edge than Lock Stock or Requiem for a Dream.’ https://www.bristolnoir.co.uk/submission-guidelines/

Until filled: Fiction up to 3000 words on the theme of Space Horror. PAYING https://www.ladiesofthefright.com/blog

‘We want works that focus on expressing, not impressing. Above all else, we want stories that connect. Our only restrictions? It has to be either flash fiction or creative nonfiction, 1,000 words or less. Other than that, surprise us.’ PAYING https://macromic.org/submit/

‘Seeking, especially, the strange: magical realism. Surrealism. Dreams. Night Terrors. Ritual. Myth. Love.’ Poetry, prose and drama. https://www.theshoutflower.com/submit